Battling Malaria

Battling Malaria

Childhood experiences shaped this researcher’s perspective.

Lilian Nyindodo, PhD, MPH, is chair of the Biomedical Sciences Department and professor of molecular biology and epidemiology at Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. She leads faculty and curriculum development, aligns biomedical education with clinical practice and mentors future health care professionals. Nyindodo is a dedicated advocate for diversity in health care and has a passion for mentoring.

Champion for Change. From a young age, I was naturally curious, always eager to explore and understand how things worked. Recognizing my potential, my dad encouraged me to take science courses to nurture my love for discovery. However, my true passion for science was sparked by my personal experiences with malaria. Born in Kisumu, Kenya, a city by the shores of Lake Victoria where malaria is endemic, I battled the disease more times than I could count and witnessed firsthand the immense burden it placed on my community. Seeing families suffer due to limited treatment options fueled my determination to become a champion for change. I was inspired to pursue science with the goal of finding better treatment solutions and contributing to the fight against malaria and other infectious diseases.

Western Blot Queen. One of my most unforgettable lab mishaps happened while running a Western blot. I had spent days preparing my samples, carefully lysing cells, quantifying protein concentrations and setting up my gel. In my rush, I accidentally assembled the transfer sandwich backward. Instead of my proteins transferring onto the membrane, they migrated into the blotting paper. After going through the immunodetection process, I was met with complete silence. No bands, no signals—just a blank membrane staring back at me. Confused, I retraced my steps, and that’s when it hit me. I peeled back the blotting paper and, sure enough, my precious proteins were imprinted there instead. It was a frustrating but hilarious moment and a lesson I never forgot. From that day on, I triple-checked my sandwich assembly before every transfer and became so meticulous that I earned the title of “Western Blot Queen” in the lab. 

A True Legend. If I could meet any scientist, it would be Rosalind Franklin. Her groundbreaking work in X-ray crystallography was instrumental in uncovering the structure of DNA, yet her contributions were largely overlooked during her lifetime. I would love to hear firsthand about her experiences as a woman in science during a time when recognition for female scientists was rare. Her resilience, dedication to meticulous research and commitment to scientific integrity are incredibly inspiring. I would ask her about the challenges she faced, how she stayed motivated despite obstacles, and what she envisioned for the future of molecular biology. Meeting her would be an opportunity to honor her legacy and gain insight from a scientist whose work continues to shape modern genetics and medicine.

Bridging the gap. I love the interdisciplinary nature of my work. Combining molecular biology and epidemiology allows me to bridge the gap between bench research and public health, directly impacting disease prevention and treatment strategies. Leading a department gives me the opportunity to foster a collaborative environment and advocate for resources that support faculty and students.

Do you know someone we should meet? Email us at tphysmag@physiology.org and tell us more.

This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of The Physiologist Magazine. Copyright © 2025 by the American Physiological Society.